Page 91 of Siren in the Rain

“You totally are, trust me. We’re happy to have you on board.”

I sigh. “Now I just need to learn how to use these powers of mine, but I don’t really have the foggiest notion of how to begin.”

“I think you should start by reading some of those books that Grandma Coral gave you.”

“You’re right. It’ll be a good way to pass the time while we’re twiddling our thumbs and waiting for more information on Margaret’s activities.” I grit my teeth.

“Believe me, Shae. We’re going to catch her and we’re going to help as many of the people she’s wronged as possible. We’ll do whatever it takes to get justice for you all.”

I close my eyes. “Do you think that’s really even possible? She’s a powerful human with plenty of money and connections, and those she’s hurt are members of the Otherkind community. I fear she’s going to get away with everything.”

Griffin pulls me closer. “I’ll do whatever I can to make sure that doesn’t happen and so will the rest of our team. We won’t let any of them get away with what they’ve done.”

He’s so earnest and passionate in his declaration that I can’t help but feel a tender warmth spread inside me.

I pull back to cradle his face with my hand. It’s time for me to grow a pair and be as brave as Griffin’s been with me.

“I’m sorry it’s taken me so long to tell you this properly, and when we weren’t horny and being overwhelmed by our hormones,” I say, my mouth suddenly dry. “But you mean the world to me, and I want to be with you for the rest of my life. I love you, Griffin McIntyre, and I’ll tell you that every single day if you need me to.”

His whole body goes still and his eyes grow bigger than I’ve ever seen them before.

Mustering up my courage, I continue. “I should have known the moment we met that there was something special between us. Even after everything I’d been through, I felt at ease with you in a way I never have and probably never will with anyone else. Your sweet nature and special abilities are a huge part of that, I know. But I’ve grown to realize that an even bigger part of it is our mate bond. We’ll probably never know how the magic decides these things, but I’m now convinced it got it right when it brought us together.”

“Shae,” he whispers, and his eyes fill with tears.

I press a finger to his lips, gently silencing him. “I don’t know if anyone else in this world could have handled me and all of my emotional baggage. But from the start, you didn’t care. You accepted me for who I am and you were ready to help me face my trauma, staying by my side the whole journey.” My voice cracks. “You didn’t care that I was… damaged, a grouchy, sarcastic sonofabitch who kept trying to deny this connection we share. You’ve been selfless, patient, and so very kind. And I love you for it.”

Griffin’s bottom lip trembles and tears dampen his cheeks. I brush them away with my thumb.

“I know you sometimes talk down about yourself,” I whisper, my voice hoarse. “But, Griffin, I think you’re incredibly smart and so talented. You have gifts that your family was too stupid to recognize and appreciate. You’re the heart and soul of MEOW Squad, even though you don’t realize it. You told me you were lucky to find me.” I reach out and pet his head the way he loves. “But I think I’m the lucky one. After everything I went through, it’s like the universe decided to finally throw me a lifeline—and you’re it. I want to be your mate and build a future together.”

I lean forward and gently, almost reverently, kiss him on the lips. When I draw back, I see his eyes are closed and he has a blissful smile on his face.

I chuckle. “You’re adorable.”

His eyes flutter open and he stares at me dreamily. “I’m awake, right? This isn’t a dream?”

I snort and pinch his side lightly to make him jump. “This is real. You don’t need to ask your coin either, I promise.”

He sniffles and lets out a shaky breath. “I-I was so worried you might never feel the same way about me. I still would have stayed by your side forever, but I wanted so much for us to be true, loving partners. I want us to take care of each other. Love each other.” He hits me with those killer puppy-dog eyes. “I have sooo much love to give.”

I don’t know what I did to deserve my precious Wolf Boy, but I’m going to make sure he never regrets having me for a mate. His gentle heart and his hot surfer bod are all for me, and me alone.

I clear my throat. “Good. So that means you need to tell me what all is involved in solidifying this mate bond between us.”

For some reason, his cheeks flush dark red.

What isn’t he telling me?

I stare him down and he darts his gaze away. “Oh, uh, that.”

I sit up and cross my arms, fixing him with my sternest look. “Griffin McIntyre, why are you being so cagey about this?”

He gulps and sits up as well. “These… these things tend to vary with species, okay?”

I frown, not knowing where the hell this is going. “All right…?” There’s clearly a catch here but I don’t know what it is.

He fidgets nervously. “Um, so for Wolfkin, mutually committing to our bond involves some magic and…” He trails off and then mumbles, “Sex.”

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